Whatever it is, the character has lived through numerous comic strip authors and artists -- she made her debut in 1924 -- anchored radio dramas and films, and become the star of a hit Broadway musical.

This weekend, Reno audiences caught the latter incarnation, as a national touring production of "Annie" rolled through the Pioneer Center.

There is no question about the musical's greatness. Featuring music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin and a book by Thomas Meehan, it distills the best of the Annie fable and plugs it into a fast-moving and entertaining Depression-era tale. And, for the most part, the touring company did a fine job laying that story on the table.

The action begins in 1933 in the New York Municipal Orphanage, a dismal place defined in the show by a dreary, off-kilter backdrop. Despite the ugly setting, the residents of the orphanage are an upbeat group of girls who laugh, play and fight with one another as youngsters do. Alas, they must also deal with the orphanage's bitter and nasty caretaker, Miss Hannigan (Lynn Andrews).

The boldest of the girls is Annie (Amanda Balon), an adventurous red-headed child who keeps attempting to escape in hopes of finding her real parents, who left her at the orphanage 11 years ago with a note claiming they would return. Hannigan laughs at the thought that Annie's parents might come back, and she delights in forcing all the girls to plod through manual labor.

Things look up for Annie, however, when Grace (Abby Stevens), aide to the ultra-rich businessman Oliver Warbucks (David Barton), invites her to stay with them for the holidays. Suddenly, the poor, little orphan girl is treated to sights and sounds she didn't know existed. But Annie's happiness could be short-lived because Hannigan's sleazy brother Rooster (J. Michael Zygo) hatches a plan to squeeze cash out of Warbucks using Annie as bait.

It's a good story with a funny and exciting climax but, more importantly, the audience is treated to a number of great song-and-dance numbers along the way. Everyone in the touring company has a fine singing voice, and the show's group numbers are particularly pleasing.

Overall, the acting is strong, and Lynn Andrews is particularly entertaining as the villain. Her version of Hannigan is like Fagin from "Oliver Twist." Occasionally, it seems as though she might actually care for her girls, but glimpses of kindness are fleeting and usually self-serving, as Andrews makes clear in her fine delivery of the song "Little Girls."

The other key adult cast members are strong as well, with Barton turning in a particularly likable performance as Warbucks. He is completely believable as a man who at first doesn't know how to deal with a child but who quickly gives himself over to Annie.

The trouble with a play like "Annie" is that it can't be done without children in the cast, and while the youthful performers gathered for this production are very good, there is a noticeable separation between Balon's performance as Annie and that delivered by her adult peers.

She's not bad, mind you. In fact, for an 11-year-old she's downright wonderful, and she sells the show's signature song, "Tomorrow," with power and clarity.

Still, there are dramatic moments that ring a bit false as a result of forced acting. This creates some stumbling blocks, but it's hardly a reason to stay away. After all, musicals aren't generally noted for their realistic and earthy character arcs.